In 1819, made and sold Britain's first bicycle in its hobby-horse form. As a coachmaker Johnson was able to make significant improvements to the two-wheel velocipede, as invented by von Drais. He obtained a patent for his "pedestrian curricle", manufactured them and opened a school teaching people how to ride them. They became a bit of a craze with even the Prince Regent riding them.
Died at home and was buried at St Martin's Chapel, Camden Town.
See also John Kemp Starley,
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Denis Johnson
City of Westminster Denis Johnson (c.1760 - 1833) from his workshop on this ...
Spitlefields Life has an excellent write-up of the 19th century entertainment complex here.
Ship-repairer and philanthropist. Born in Glasgow. After serving his apprenticeship in shipbuilding, he came to London to ply his trade. He was deacon of St Mark's Presbyterian Church in Greenwich,...
First Chairman and Trustee of the Jubilee Market Traders Committee.
There is evidence of a 'Miller's Hotel' on the site in the early 1800s which was renamed in 1836. It was purchased by Rosa Lewis, who expanded it by combining four buildings into one. During both t...
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